A34 overrunning roadworks means southbound carriageway remains closed between Peartree and Hinksey

Overrunning roadworks means a section of the A34, north of Newbury, remains closed this morning (Monday).

National Highways said “unforeseen circumstances” have meant that the weekend closure, on the southbound carriageway between the A44 at Peartree and the A423 at Hinksey did not reopen at 6am as planned.

There are currently delays of nearly an hour on the approach to the area, with more than four miles of congestion.

“Contractors are working to reopen the road as soon as it is safe,” added National Highways. “Unfortunately, lane 2 cannot be opened due to unforeseen circumstances. The A34 will remain closed throughout this morning’s rush hour, which is likely to cause significant delays in and around Oxfordshire.”

The carriageway has been closed all weekend for planned gas utility works, with lane 2 due to re-open this morning (Monday).

Lane 1 was due to remain closed throughout the week while the work continued.

A diversion is in place.